Question

Using knowledge on the melanin pathway, why do so many domestic animal breeds have spots or decreased pigmentation? Would you expect lighter colored animals to be more tame than darker ones? Why or why not?

Answer 1

compared to wild type animals, domestic species are more tame. they also showing decreased pigmentation. as a result their body has spots and stripes. maybe we can relate this to domestication syndrome. Darwin made observations a long ago regarding this statement. there is formation of neural crest cells developing spinal cord of the early vertebrate embryo . when the embryo matures, cells are migrating to different parts of the body and giving rise to many tissue types. these tissues are including the pigmentation cells. this may be the reason of the decreased pigmentation. domestic animals have impaired development and migration of neural crest cells when comparing to wild type animals. in my opinion the second statement is not relevant. colour is not determined by their genetic developments. tamability is not depend on colour. domestic animals balance their colours that absorbs or reflect from their body. domestic species are more tame in their floppier ears, patched or white fur, and juvenile face with smaller jaw. tameness can cause diverse traits.